Fingolimod

Fingolimod is the first oral disease therapy approved for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients can be switched directly from interferon-β or glatiramer acetate to fingolimod without a washout period. Fingolimod's potent efficacy, oral route of administration, and generally good safety and tolerability make it appealing to patients and clinicians. However, several adverse effects have already been identified, overall experience with its use is limited compared to other agents, and its novel and complex mechanism of action make predicting adverse effects challenging. Fingolimod's place in the MS treatment algorithm is evolving. We anticipate that once centers have solved the logistical issues associated with fingolimod initiation and if the experience in clinical practice parallels the efficacy, safety, and tolerability demonstrated in the phase 3 trials, fingolimod's routine use will increase.